What does "IAA Licensed and Insured" actually mean?
One common theme across many drone operator websites and social media pages is “IAA Licensed and Fully Insured”, but what does that actually mean?
Semantics aside, there is no such thing as an IAA License. The IAA grants operators permission to complete missions, which differs from a license.
Any drone operator that has completed the mandatory registration and online training in the basic A1/A3 open subcategory, can in theory say they are licensed, however this is not correct. You are only permitted to operate within the limitations of the Open Subcategory for which you have been granted permission. These areas are often very limited and easily circumvented to “get the job done”.
Thousands of pilots in Ireland fall into this category, but a “licensed and insured” pilot does not mean the person has the authorisation to operate in certain areas. There are many restrictions, not only to airspace but also in the operating environment, such as ground risk, surrounding risk, adjacent airspace, obstacles, or TRAs, which means the operation cannot be conducted without specific authorisation.
So what’s the problem?
First and foremost, operating outside these limitations is illegal. Drone use is regulated in Ireland and the EU. You are opening yourself and potentially your client to legal proceedings.
If you are hiring a drone operator, ensure they have the correct permissions for the operation.
You are not insured when you operate outside the regulation.
This means you personally could be liable for damages in the event of an incident, and considering the levels of public liability insurance commercial operators are required to maintain; this could quickly run to hundreds of thousands, if not millions, in damages depending on the situation.
Risks
Lithium Polymer batteries, which are most commonly used in drones, are still volatile, and fires started from these are often very difficult to extinguish and have the potential to spread quickly. This is one example of where things can quickly get out of hand.